Mother Killed, Three Children Injured on First Day of School in El Paso

A mother is dead and three children critically injured after they were struck by a car at a Texas elementary school Monday afternoon.

KGNS-TV reports that it happened at Mary N. Tippin Elementary in El Paso around 3:30 PM Monday. The woman was picking up three 7-year-old children from school when an elderly man picking up his grandchildren hit the accelerator of his vehicle instead of his brakes while backing out of a parking space.

The woman, who was reportedly trying to get the driver's attention before being hit, passed away as a result of her injuries. The three children, two of them hers, were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The driver was taken into custody and my face charges.

At a Tuesday morning press conference, police said the driver became "somewhat disoriented" after hitting another vehicle while backing out of the parking space. An officer said the children remained in serious condition, but are expected to survive.

According to KFOX-TV, an El Paso PD officer was patrolling near the school Tuesday, and had pulled over at least five drivers for violating school zone safety rules.

This should go without saying, but you have GOT to be looking out, taking your time, and being extremely careful in and around school zones, folks. Stay off your phones and tablets, keep your eyes open, and keep in mind that kids could pop out of nowhere.